First of all, let me introduce myself. My name is Lauren and I am the face behind LaurenJaclyn.com! I have always had a passion for all things beautiful, including fashion, beauty, and design. After graduating college and briefly pursuing event planning, I finally fulfilled my lifelong dream of starting a fashion and lifestyle blog about everything from on-trend accessories to my favorite hairspray to fool-proof recipes. It has been so much fun and I hope some of you join me on my blogging journey.

I have had the privilege to travel quite a bit throughout my life, with a lot of my extended family scattered across the world in Italy and South Africa. Traveling abroad is such a blessing, but it can be stressful at the same time! For a fashion lover like myself, the stress always sets in when it’s time to pack, especially when it all has to fit in a carry-on bag. My shoe closet and beauty product collection can get a bit out of control, so I certainly can’t bring it all along when I travel. Today, I am going to share some tips and tricks to make the most of your carry-on luggage, and make sure you’re looking fab while you travel the globe!

Multi-Purpose Pieces

This is essential when you’re trying to get the most out of your carry-on! Focus on packing things that you’re going to be able to wear a lot of different ways. The best way to do this is to bring great basics, such as a pair of skinny jeans, plain t-shirts, and tanks for layering. Doing this allows you to establish the base of a look without having to pack too many items. Pants or bottoms are another really great way to implement this technique because they’re really easy to wear multiple times between washes (let’s be honest – who washes their jeans with every wear anyways?) and they serve as a great starting point for an outfit. Next time you go on a trip, try to just pack one pair of jeans and see how many looks you can come up with! I recently did a series on my blog where I styled one jumpsuit in three totally different ways (here, here, and here)just by changing up the accessories. Revolving all of my looks around that one staple jumpsuit eliminated the need for a bunch of different pieces that I would have only been able to wear once.

Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize

Accessories are the best way to spice up different looks without taking a ton of different pieces with you. They generally take up the least amount of space and can totally change up the overall look. Bringing things like scarves, beanies, and a variety of jewelry will barely add any weight to your luggage, but will add a ton of versatility to your travel wardrobe. Don’t forget about using hair and makeup as accessories, as well! This is one of my favorite ways to change the vibe of a look! A tousled ponytail as opposed to sleek straight hair look gives two totally different styles without you having to pack anything extra!

Wear the Bulky Items

I am the first one who likes to look chic at the airport – but sometimes you have to adjust the plans to make sure you’re able to fit everything you need in your bag. Packing a big bulky jacket in a carry-on is not always feasible, but if you’re going somewhere freezing, it’s necessary. To avoid taking up the entirety of your suitcase with one jacket, omit it from the luggage and simply wear it to the airport. I cannot tell you how many times I have been that girl at the Miami airport in a wool coat, but hey, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do. Another thing I usually always end up wearing while I travel is a hat. I do this for two reasons! First of all, I am obsessed with hats and wear them every chance I get. Second of all, hats can be extremely hard to pack because they take up a lot of room and can often get misshapen during your travels if you place them in your luggage.

Size Matters

Try to downsize anything you possibly can to save room. For example, I am a vitamin junkie and I like to make sure I stay regimented especially when I am on vacation to avoid getting sick. If I brought all of my vitamin bottles that I needed with me, it would take up the majority of my suitcase and add unnecessary weight that could be used for something more practical and stylish. To avoid this, I count out just the amount of vitamins I will need for the time I am gone (plus an extra day’s supply for unexpected emergencies) and put them in a Ziploc bag or travel pill box, like this one, to save space.

The same principle applies for your toiletries! Your toiletries are a necessity but they end up taking more space than you realize. We all know about travel size goodies they have at the grocery store (I mean, how cute are they?) but it’s always a bummer when they don’t have the specific brand you’re used to. As someone with unpredictable hair, I cannot just use any shampoo or conditioner and expect my hair to be manageable so to avoid bringing along my entire bottle, I buy travel size bottles, like these, and fill them up with whatever I want to bring along. This makes for a much smoother transition for my hair and a lighter carry-on for me – win, win!

Be sure to check these items off your list before you board your plane abroad.

1. Apply for your Passport

2. Make a copy of your Passport and any other important documents.

3. Bring a folder: Store your important documents in here, this is also a handy way to collect any paper items memories you get along the way (tickets, postcards, etc.)

4. Ensure you don’t need a visa to get into the country your visiting. Getting stuck in the airport until your expedited visa comes in does not sound like an item on my bucket-list. Also, be aware if you have to pay a entrance/exit fee when visiting the country.

5. Check in with your doctor for any medications or shots you may need to ensure of your health when visiting a foreign country.

6. Fill any regular prescriptions.

7. Double check all of your carry on liquids and gels are under 3.4oz.

(Gotoob – one of my favorite carry on items to condense shampoos, soaps and conditioners in)

9. Secure all credit + debit cards – surprisingly, a lot of places throughout the world don’t accept credit cards, so it’s always a good idea to have cash on you at all times. Make sure to have a minimum of 2 debit cards, from different banks, just in case on debit card gets lost or puts a hold on your account (this happens more times than you can imagine).

11. Get the local currency (if you’re able) before you go, you can request it in advance from your bank.

12. Bring about $100 worth of cash with you in US dollars.

13. Book your first few days (or weeks) of accommodation depending on length and spontaneity of your trip.

14. Make sure you know the address and exactly how to get to your accommodation from the city’s airport. To be safe, print out a Google Map of directions to show to your taxi/uber driver upon arrival. ESPECIALLY if you’re staying in a hostel, which are often on residential or not well known streets.

Check out So Flo by the way of a local. Spend a week or a year in the sunshine state exploring the best places!

1. Play with a tiger cub at Zoological Wildlife Foundation

Take a walk on the wild side. Miami

2. Indulge in Sushiritos at Phat Boy Sushi & Kitchen

Japanese fresh takes on sushi and other Japanese classics served in a laid-back and chill setting. Fort Lauderdale

3. Spend the day at Perez Art Museum

Visit this four story contemporary art museum and see artists like Andy Warhol, John Chamberlain and Basquiat. Miami

4. Bayfront Park

Right next to Perez Art Museum. it overlooks Biscayne Bay with views of the water, bridge and downtown Miami. Outdoor concerts are held here as well, check out the schedule.Miami

5. Eat South Florida’s best ice cream at Jaxson’s

This old fashioned parlor has been scooping out giant ice cream sundaes since 1956, and was recently featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Dania Beach

6. Flagler Museum

The house that Flagler built – a man who made Florida what it is today by building a railroad throughout Florida in the late 1800s. Tour through his 55 room mansion, with an incredible backyard overlooking the intercostal. Palm Beach

7. The Breakers

Down the street from Flagler Museum – look around this historic hotel which opened in 1896. At that time, rooms started at $4 a night, with food included (we can dream of that price now!) If you don’t want to spend $500 a night to stay there, stop by HMF and have some eclectic dishes and upscale cocktails in the lavish dining room and lounge. Palm Beach

10. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

11. Peanut island

Off of Palm Beach, this island is 80 acres of tropical park with swimming areas and paved parkways. Only accessible by boat/kayak/paddle board. Bring some beers and beach chairs, and relax on the beach shores. Palm Beach

12. Sponsor a turtle at Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Loggerheard Marine Center focuses on threatened and endangered sea turtles through education and rescuing sea turtles. With the outside center, you can see the turtles that are being nurtured back to health before being released. When I went, I was lucky enough to see three day old hatchlings that hadn’t made it from their nest to the ocean. Juno Beach

24. Sample a flight of local brews at Funky Buddha Brewery

24. Catch a movie in plush seats with bites & cocktails at iPic

25. Dine in opulence at the Versace House

Miami’s most photographed location, which was previously owned by Italian fashion impresario Gianni Versace – and was once listed for $125 million. Stay the night for $1000, or eat dinner inside at Gianni’s. Miami

You may also enjoy:

Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada is probably one of the most expensive National Parks to visit.Don’t let that stop you from fulfilling your bucket list item.

Accommodation:

There are many options depending on your preference of travel and comfort.My husband and I love the outdoors, so we opted to camp in one of the beautiful camp grounds. We stayed at Two Jack Main Campground. There is also a Hostel option.Of course the town Center of Banff has fine hotels to choose from, but remember, we are doing this on a budget. You are not there to sleep all day in a resort.You are there to be with nature.

(Two Jack Main Campground)

(Whistler Campground, Jasper)

(Part of the welcoming committee)

What to bring:

Park Canada offers equipped camping on certain campgrounds.You can rent the rest of the items you need in town from a reputable outfitter. Between equipped camping sites and renting camping items, you don’t have to bring any gear at all.

Food:

The town center was just 15 minutes from our campground, yet we felt worlds away. There are dining options downtown if you must, or go to Safeway or Nester Market for groceries.Don’t buy a lot, remember, it is bear and wolf country. The Banff Farmer’s Market is every Wednesday in Downtown Banff, get the bacon and elk sausage – it’s the best I’ve ever had!

(Rise and shine it’s breakfast time!)

(Banff Farmer’s Market)

Transportation:

Fly into Calgary International. Rent a small car. You don’t need an SUV. Stay in Calgary for the night. Visit Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) and purchase Bear Spray and the Park Entrance fee.

What to buy in Calgary:

Find a store that sells everything. Grab basic can goods and a cheap pillow you can leave behind after your trip. Two key essentials are water and a lock for the bear box. Prices of food increases in Banff. The drive from Calgary to Banff is about an hour and a half.

Park Fee:

Decide the fee to fit your needs. There is a day pass, and an annual Discovery pass. There is more information on Banff park fees and camping fees here.

Once you get to the campground:

Check in is at 2:00 p.m. You have plenty of time to explore and get the lay of the land before you go to your campground.You must get up early everyday and get to your destination first thing in the morning.Parking is a premium at Lake Louise and other hot spots. Arrive there around 8:00 a.m. The GPS is probably better than other directional gear so you get satellite service.Signage is well place and you cannot get lost.There is one major highway.

(Peyto Lake, a glacier fed lake in Banff)

(Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise)

(Chocolate and coffee at Bear’s Den Smokehouse & Patio)

(The other side of Lake Louise)

Enjoy your adventure.Here are some websites to get you started.Don’t let the tour buses bother you.It is a good option for tourist thats are not too mobile.

Vi is an incredible photographer who is just as passionate about photography as she is about UCF Knights and staying in shape! She is selling her beautiful collection of Canada photos, and in the process of creating a website. Comment below for any questions or comments you have for Vi.

Meet Layni, a girl with a passion for adventure and giving back. Read about her journey teaching in rural Thailand, and backpacking throughout Asia after.

1. What inspired you to volunteer in Thailand?

Hmm.. That’s a question I feel like I get all the time, and I never know how to answer. I had originally wanted to go to Thailand and teach English for the entire year, but taking the LSAT and applying for law school took priority over that. So instead, I decided to go and volunteer for six weeks, and travel throughout Asia after. I wanted to make an impact on the people that needed it the most, so decided volunteering teaching children was the best fit. I bought a plane ticket and knew I would figure it out!

2. Where exactly were you volunteering, and what was the mission?

I volunteered in Chiang Rai, Thailand! It was a very rural area that many people have never heard of. It was about three hours north of Chiang Mai, and about an hour to Laos and Myanmar boarder (The Golden Triangle). My job as a volunteer was to teach English to Thai children. I volunteered at the Mirror Foundation, where there were many different missions; but the main jobs of the volunteers were teaching English and outside work.

One of my great friends who I made there from Paris, Alix, was on the outdoor team. Even though we had different jobs, at the end of the day it was all about helping the local people in any way possible.

3. How did you choose the program, and how did you know it was legit?

I just Googled what I wanted to do and this foundation seemed like the best option for me! I knew it was a legitimate program after researching online, and reading positive experiences – it’s all about doing the right research ultimately.

4. What is your advice to people looking to volunteer abroad, or in Thailand?

DO IT! Seriously though, do it – and stay positive!! It was one of the best experiences of my life and I would go back tomorrow if I could. Don’t be afraid. Honestly, it can be scary at first, especially arriving in Asia and not knowing anything or having any expectations.

I had a bumpy start to my trip, but I quickly become accustom to the “Asia lifestyle”. It was intimidating at first, but people are always willing to help. For example, when I was stuck in an airport in Vietnam, I was crying (of course) but seriously, I was scared, it’s normal, but I didn’t know what to do. Nobody spoke English, I was alone and wasn’t allowed to leave the airport. While sitting on a bench, this man walked up to me (who I later found out was from Kansas) and asked me if I needed assistance. I was SO thankful for him at that moment. He gave me his business card and told me to call him if I needed anything. This wasn’t the only circumstance where I was offered help, but it was definitely the most memorable. Because of this specific instance, I made sure that I always offered help to anyone in need. I promise you that it’s worth it; it will make you a more independent person and forces you to grow throughout it all.

5. Do you feel like you accomplished a lot during your time there?

I definitely feel like I accomplished a lot while I was there! Our program was very unique, where we would go to different schools every day, but we would still see the same children every week. I could see the kids growing and learning as the weeks went by, and it was one of the most incredible feelings! You become attached to the kids, so every day we went to at least 3 different schools, and on your way there you just get so excited to see them and you want to just hug them and take them all home with you. The day care I taught at was truly incredible, the children were ages 3 and 4 and you could see them learning every single day; one day you’ll be teaching them numbers 1-15, and then you come back the next day and they remember!! It’s a great feeling when they remember things you teach them because it makes you feel like you’re making a difference.

6. What was your day to days like?

Every morning we would have similar schedules but at the different schools. We would: wake up, eat breakfast, go to a school and teach, come back for lunch, tgo back and teach, then come home and lesson plan, have dinner, and usually do something together as a group. With every being at a new school, it was always something new! Of course we went to the same schools every week, but I think the break up in the different classes every day really made the entire experience that much better, because you didn’t feel as if you were doing the same thing every day.

7. What was the highlight of your volunteer trip?

I had two absolutely incredible experiences during my trip. I think the absolute highlight of my trip was going on my home stay and the second highlight was teaching the Monks.

So to start, my home stay was absolutely incredible! A bunch of us went and stayed at a principal’s guest home for a week, while teaching at his school. A principle in Thailand is essentially a movie star in Thailand. Joking, but also serious… They know EVERYONE and are very highly respected. During the home stay, the couple took us to the Golden Triangle, running around with wild monkeys, going to a Thai University, running through tea fields, eating delicious home made food, and SO much more! ALSO, the principle and his wife didn’t speak English well, but we still connected on a different level. It’s so funny that we didn’t speak the same language, but we, as human beings, still connected and established such a deep friendship. The day I was leaving Chiang Rai, I arrived at the airport at 4 in the morning, and I got there and the Principal and his wife were there, with presents and cards for me – they lived an hour and a half away and they came ALL that way just to say goodbye to me! I couldn’t believe it. The people in Asia are absolutely incredible, I can’t say it enough. I can’t wait until I can go back and visit everyone and hopefully one day live in Asia!

Teaching the Monks was another highlight of my trip. I mean, in all honesty, I learned more from the Monks than I think they taught me. Buddhism is such an amazing religion and I loved learning about it while I was there.

8. How much money did you bring for your trip?

I saved a total of $2,000, and didn’t spend it all while I was there. Asia is the easiest place to budget while backpacking!

9. What was the most difficult moment of your trip?

I’m not going to lie, I had a few moments when I wondered why I was even in Asia. I think the most difficult moment was arriving in Asia, not being able to communicate since no one spoke English, being detained in the airport (that’s another story!), and being stared at when I arrived. I have blonde hair, so everywhere I went I was asked to take pictures with people or stared at. Once I adjusted to life in Asia, I was completely fine and any issue I had I could deal with. I got sick a few times and that was obviously awful, but it honestly wasn’t a big deal. Again, I think the most difficult moment was arriving in Asia initially.

10. Did you travel after volunteering in Chang Rai?

Yes! I went to Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and traveled all over Thailand!

11. What are your best tips for people looking to backpack through Asia?

Stay positive and do your research. I would ensure you know where you want to go, what you want to see, what happens in certain countries i.e., what to do when you get sick (because that happens A LOT), what you need to bring, where your nearest hospitals are (there are certain hospitals you don’t want to go in Asia), how much money you want to spend (aka budget plan), etc. Asia is a whole different trip then backpacking around Europe. I always say my trip to Asia was a whole different world compared to my trips to Europe.

12. What was the most essential item you brought from America when traveling around Asia?

This is going to sound silly, but I was so happy I brought dry shampoo, a journal, a book, a sweater for the temples, a long skirt, GoPro, and Toms! Everyone dresses very conservatively in Asia, so you want to make sure you respect their culture – there’s nothing worse than going to Asia and seeing girls wearing short shorts.

13. What were your overall favorite moments?

Some my favorite moments:

Going to an elephant sanctuary in Thailand

Visiting the Monkey Temple in Bali and seeing the rice paddies and coffee plantations in Bali

Going to the waterfalls and hiking all throughout Asia

Eating street food (Banana Roti with condensed milk is my favorite – also you can never go wrong with street Pad Thai)

Exploring Thai beaches

Going to Siem Reap

Floating down the river in Laos with a beer in hand

Hot air ballooning in Laos at sunrise

Catching the sunrise over Laos (from Thailand)

Meeting amazing people in hostels

Swimming in Ha Long Bay

Getting custom suits made in Vietnam

Drinking Thai tea and Vietnamese Coffee

Eating authentic Pho and Banh Mi on the streets in Vietnam

Riding on mopeds in crazy traffic

going to the Gili Islands and swinging on a swing in the middle of the ocean

Dining at the Cliff bar in Nusa Dua

Walking around Sihanoukille and relaxing on the beach

Spending the day at Potato Head Beach Club in Seminyak, Bali

Participating in a Thai cooking class

Buying souvenirs at the night markets and day markets

Seeing a Thai boxing match

And so much more!

Every single day in Asia was an amazing day. It’s hard to come back to real life after living in Asia. I miss the every day life in Asia. The people are so peaceful, calm and caring. I look forward to the next time I get to go back!

Follow Layni on Instagram@Layniic and comment below with any questions you have for her about teaching abroad or traveling throughout Southeast Asia.